The United States men’s national soccer team is preparing for the Concacaf Gold Cup, which commences on June 14. This tournament will be their final competitive outing before joining the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected a squad of 27 players to kick off with two warm-up games against Turkiye on June 7 and Switzerland on June 10, before focusing on the Gold Cup.

A significant absence in Pochettino’s roster is Christian Pulisic, who has opted out of the Gold Cup to recover from an intense season at AC Milan. Also missing are key players Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, who will be participating in the Club World Cup with Juventus.

Despite several top players not playing, this opens opportunities for seasoned veterans and emerging talents to shine and possibly secure a spot for next year’s World Cup.

Among the players discussed, Folarin Balogun stands out, as he returns healthy after an injury hiatus and has a chance to reclaim his spot as a leading striker. He was vital in the 2024 Copa America, scoring twice.

Diego Luna, a rising star at 21, aims to make an impression after being the only bright spot in the last USMNT game during the Nations League Finals. His recent form with Real Salt Lake makes him a player to watch.

Concerns about the Gold Cup arise, particularly about how well the USMNT can perform without Christian Pulisic and other crucial players. The squad will face tough competitors like Saudi Arabia during the group stage, and with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm, the team hopes to navigate these challenges successfully.